SwitchBot Brings Face, Palm Recognition to Its New Retrofit Smart Lock
SwitchBot has announced its latest retrofit smart lock system at IFA 2026, with the new Lock Ultra Max Vision Pro Combo combining an upgraded smart lock, biometric keypad, and Matter-enabled hub in a single package aimed primarily at European homes.
The new package consists of the SwitchBot Lock Ultra Max, Keypad Vision Pro, and Hub Mini Matter Enabled. As with the company’s previous retrofit locks, the Lock Ultra Max is fitted to the inside of an existing door, allowing users to retain their current lock cylinder rather than replacing it.
FASTER LOCKING AND UNLOCKING
At the centre of the new system is the Lock Ultra Max, which uses SwitchBot’s UltraDrive brushless motor running at up to 160rpm. According to the company, this provides 3.2 times the motor rotation speed of the existing Lock Ultra, with Max Mode capable of unlocking a door in as little as 1.1 seconds.
The motor also provides more than 9kg of turning force, which should help with European locks that require more effort to operate. Users can choose between Max Mode for faster operation and Quiet Mode, which reduces noise when locking or unlocking the door.
A magnetic encoder is used to monitor the lock’s movement and position, while the exterior has also been redesigned with an aluminium alloy body, brushed stainless-steel detailing, and a new fluted finish.
UP TO 19 UNLOCKING METHODS
When paired with the new Keypad Vision Pro, the system offers a particularly wide choice of access methods. These include 3D facial recognition, palm vein recognition, fingerprint recognition, passcodes, NFC cards, the SwitchBot app, smartwatches, widgets, geofencing-based Auto-Unlock, voice control, a physical key, and SwitchBot Remote.
SwitchBot claims there are as many as 19 unlocking methods available across the complete system, which is probably stretching it a bit if we’re honest, but still impressive
For facial recognition, the Keypad Vision Pro projects more than 30,000 infrared points to generate a 3D map of the user’s face. SwitchBot says recognition can take less than one second under laboratory conditions. As the system uses depth information rather than a conventional image, it is also designed to prevent attempts to unlock the door using photographs or videos. Infrared illumination allows facial recognition to operate in low-light conditions.
Palm vein recognition provides an alternative contactless biometric method. Near-infrared sensors identify the vein pattern within a user’s palm, which could be particularly useful for people whose fingerprints are difficult for conventional fingerprint sensors to recognise.
Fingerprint recognition, PIN codes, and NFC cards are also available, providing more conventional options for household members and visitors.
THREE LEVELS OF BATTERY BACKUP
SwitchBot has also introduced a three-stage power system for the Lock Ultra Max. The primary 4,200 mAh rechargeable battery is rated for up to nine months of typical use, while a separate CR123A battery acts as a backup when the main battery is depleted or removed for charging.
According to SwitchBot, the backup battery can provide approximately 500 locking or unlocking operations.
A third option, called Micro-Power Unlock, is intended for situations where the lock’s batteries have effectively been exhausted. The system gathers residual energy for around 30 seconds, after which it can provide emergency unlocking assistance. SwitchBot says this can be used up to five times.
Battery levels for both the main and backup batteries can be viewed in the SwitchBot app, which also provides low-battery notifications.
The Keypad Vision Pro has its own 5,000 mAh rechargeable battery, with SwitchBot claiming up to 12 months of typical use. An approach-detection system activates its biometric sensors as somebody approaches, reducing unnecessary power consumption when the keypad is not being used.
LOCAL BIOMETRIC DATA AND DOOR MONITORING
Biometric information, including facial, palm vein, and fingerprint data, is processed and stored locally on the Keypad Vision Pro rather than being passed to third-party smart home platforms. Communications relating to access are protected using AES-128 encryption.
The system also supports automatic locking, while the SwitchBot app provides information on lock and door status, battery levels, notifications, and previous events.
Lock Ultra Max can additionally provide voice and app alerts for conditions including low battery levels, use of the backup battery, or a door being left open or unlocked. Somewhat unusually for a smart lock, it can also provide notifications covering 13 categories of weather conditions, including rain, snow, thunderstorms, and fog.
MATTER SUPPORT VIA SWITCHBOT HUB
SwitchBot says the Lock Ultra Max is compatible with 99% of European locks, including EU profile cylinders, knob cylinders, Swiss round cylinders, and UK oval cylinders. Additional adapters will be available for less common lock types.
As the Lock Ultra Max fits over the existing lock mechanism on the inside of the door, the original cylinder can remain in place. The Keypad Vision Pro can be mounted outside using either adhesive or screws, potentially allowing the complete system to be installed without drilling or making permanent changes to the door.
The package also includes the SwitchBot Hub Mini Matter Enabled. Aside from enabling remote access through the SwitchBot app, the hub exposes the lock to compatible Matter platforms using Matter over Bridge.
This includes Apple Home and Home Assistant, allowing the Lock Ultra Max to form part of automations and routines alongside devices from other manufacturers.
PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
Pre-orders for the SwitchBot Lock Ultra Max Vision Pro Combo begin on 3 September 2026 through Amazon stores and SwitchBot’s UK and European online stores.
The complete package has an MSRP of €339.99 in Europe and £339.99 in the UK.
Customers purchasing the combo during the launch period will also receive SwitchBot’s Max Service for the Lock Ultra Max at no additional charge. This adds an extra year of warranty coverage along with expedited return and exchange support.
